Duterte's martial law warning was for discipline amid ECQ violations

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. clarified President Duterte's warning about martial law, stating it was a call for public discipline in adhering to enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Galvez explained that the President's intention was not to impose actual martial law but to emphasize the necessity of staying at home and complying with regulations.

The warning came amid reports of widespread violations of the ECQ, including public gatherings, illegal activities, and a disregard for social distancing measures in public markets.

Galvez urged the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other law enforcement agencies to intensify operations against quarantine violators.

He also mentioned the establishment of new quarantine facilities outside Metro Manila, such as the ASEAN Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga, and facilities in New Clark City, Tarlac, to accommodate patients from nearby provinces.

These new facilities, along with existing ones and ships used as floating quarantine sites, contribute to a total national capacity of 167,781 beds.

Galvez also highlighted the significant increase in testing capacity, with 17 accredited laboratories now capable of conducting 8,000 to 10,000 COVID-19 tests daily.

Additionally, 57 hospitals are currently undergoing assessment to become designated COVID-19 centers, with 17 in the final stages of accreditation.